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Plumbing Glossary

V-clip

A clip shaped like the letter "V" used on a lavatory drain lift linkage assembly to easily adjust connection of the drain to the lift rod.

Vacuum Breaker

An anti-siphon device that prevents the backflow of contaminated water into the water supply system.

Valve

A device that regulates the flow of fluid.

Valve Dressing

Resurfacing a worn valve seat with a special tool. Stops leaks by providing a smooth sealing surface. Applies only to older compression style faucets.

Valve Seat

The non-moving part of a valve. Water flow is stopped when the moveable portion of the valve comes in contact with the valve seat.

Valve Seat Wrench

Hexagonal end wrench inserted into the hexagonal opening in a valve seat for installing or removal.

Vanity

A bathroom storage cabinet under the wash basin.

Velocity Head

The amount of energy required to accelerate water to a given velocity; expressed in feet per head.

Vent

A pipe that allows air into a drain system to balance the air pressure, preventing water in the traps from being siphoned off.

Vent Header

A vent pipe into which several vents connect. The vent pipe leads to the vent stack and out of the building.

Vent Stack

Upper portion of the soil stack above the topmost fixture through which gases and odors escape.

Venting Materials

Materials used for venting, i.e. PVC, CPVC, ABS, metal.

Venturi

A short tube with a tapered constriction in the middle that causes an increase in the velocity of flow of a fluid and a corresponding decrease in fluid pressure and that is used for creating a suction in a vacuum pump.

Viscosity

The resistance of fluids to flow, due to internal forces and friction between molecules, which increases as its temperature decreases.

Vitreous China

Ceramic materials fired at high temperature to form a non-porous body, having exposed surfaces coated with ceramic glaze fused to the body. This is used to form bathroom fixtures such as toilets, bidets, and lavs.

Vitreous Surface

Material on some plumbing fixtures derived from or consisting of glass, translucent, and low on porosity.

Volatile

Capable of vaporization at a relatively low temperature.

Volumetric

Refers to measurement by volume rather than weight.

Volute Casing

Derives is name from a spiral shaped casing surrounding the pump impeller. It converts velocity energy to pressure energy.